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Andy Choffo appointed to Board of Education

PARSIPPANY — Former Board of Education member Andrew Choffo was re-appointed to the Board of Education, on Thursday, January 18. Choffo is replacing Nicholas Kumburis who resigned on December 31.

Choffo, a long standing board member, lost re-election in the General Election in November to new board member Matthew DeVitto. Current Board of Education members are:

Mr. Frank Neglia, President
Mrs. Alison Cogan, Vice-President
Mr. Timothy Berrios
Mr. George Blair
Mr. Andrew Choffo
Mr. Joseph Cistaro
Mr. Matthew DeVitto
Mrs. Susy Golderer
Mrs. Judy Mayer

Choffo will have to run again in the next general election to be able to continue on the board past December 31, 2018.

In addition Mr. Frank Neglia, Mrs. Susy Golderer and Mrs.Judy Meyer term also expires December 31, 2018.

Connie Keller named “Kiwanian of the Year”

PARSIPPANY — At the annual Awards Dinner of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Past-President and current Treasurer, Connie Keller, was awarded with Kiwanian of the Year. Last year’s honoree, Carol Tiesi, presented the award to Connie.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill with Connie Keller

The criterias for Kiwanian of the Year are: Been a member in good standing for at least two years; Attended 60% of the meetings for the past two years; Completed a program that, in the committee’s estimation, deserves superior recognition, or held office and creatively planned Club activities for the current Kiwanis Year; Chaired a committee or served on a committee that completed Club work in a superior fashion; Worked on District or International program that brought recognition to our own Club; Completed a significant number of hours on community projects.

Our honorary for this year officially became a member of our Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany in 2011 although this member has been involved in the workings of our wonderful club for years, but this member was not official. Newsletters were created and printed, and mailed out to our membership by this involved individual before joining our Club. During this pre-membership period of time, this individual displayed a great interest in Kiwanis by attending evening meetings.

Carol Tiesi presenting the Kiwanian of the Year Award to Connie Keller

Connie Keller joined Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany in 2011 and has been an active member for seven years.  This member has held the offices of Vice President, President Elect, Club President, and President of our Foundation.  During this member’s Presidential year the Club celebrated our 25th  Anniversary. She also received the George F. Hixon Fellowship Award in 2014. Connie currently holds the Office of Club Treasurer and works timelessly on other important Club endeavors.

Frank Cahill introduces Carol Tiesi, who presented the award to Connie Keller

She works diligently on formulating and the printing of our Club Directory and provides our online Newsletter for our membership.  She has attended numerous Kiwanis Mid-Winter Conferences.  She has worked hard to invite a great many individuals to our Grand Tasting in October each year and in the printing of literature and tickets for the event.   She has also worked with the committees of Touch a Truck and Trivia Night to setup the program and to help to make sure that the events ran smoothly. She has also enjoyed serving the community by cooking at Homeless Solutions and participating in our yearly Breakfast for Santa at the Parsippany Child Daycare Center.

Michael and Jonathan Keller watches as their mom receives Kiwanian of the Year Award
Connie Keller proudly displays her award, as Club President Frank Cahill looks on

Parsippany Elks donates “Tackle Wheels” to PAL Redhawks

Tackle Wheels

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Elks Lodge #2078 made a generous contribution to Parsippany PAL and the PAL Redhawks. 

The Elks contribution has allowed the Parsippany PAL Redhawks to purchase three Tackle Wheels which are a football training innovation that allows the kids to practice wrapping up on open field tackles without using another player, thus greatly reducing injuries.

Pop-up Dummy

They have also purchased a Pop Up Dummy which is safer than a traditional blocking dummy since there is no holder needed.

Lastly, since not every child has the opportunity to receive the private athletic training that has become common place today, the Program has also purchased two Power Harnesses, two Speed Chutes and an Agility Trainer which will allow everyone the opportunity to make themselves a little bit faster, a little bit stronger and much more confident on and off the field.

SKLZ Speed Chute Resistance Trainer

With the gift the PAL Program will be able to run more effective and even safer practices in the upcoming season and well beyond.

PHS to induct 2018 Hall of Fame Class

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School will be inducting their 2018 Hall of Fame Class on Tuesday, February 13, at 5:00 p.m. in the Media Center. PHS would like to invite community members, alumni, parents and students to celebrate with us at this year’s induction ceremony. This year’s induction class consists of two impressive members.

 Andrew Ladas (1994)

Andrew Ladas

Andy Ladas graduated from PHS in 1994.  A strong student in addition to a being a tough wrestler and an outstanding soccer player, Andy was super-involved while at PHS and was loved by his classmates and teachers for his sense of humor, kindness and competitiveness. He was one of five Ladas children to attend Par High including (in order) his twin brother Stephen and his sisters Vanessa, Cindy and Christina (also a Par High Hall of Famer).

Andy attended Central Connecticut College with his brother Stephen where they played soccer for four years. After college Andy began his extensive commitment to community service. He is a Board Member of the Parsippany Education Foundation which provides educational grants that benefit Parsippany students and teachers. In honor of his father, Tom, he also awards two scholarships each year (one to each high school) through the Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A lover of sports, Andy is also a Board Member of the Parsippany Soccer Club where he volunteers countless hours as a coach and serves as Treasurer and Co-Director of the Parsippany Pride Soccer Tournament.

Andy has also been heavily involved in Christian Youth programs in the community. He currently runs the middle school youth group for Christ the King Church and opens up his own home twice a month for meetings, fun activities and to plan service projects. Andy has also led three high school mission trips to Cap Haitien, Haiti, delivering supplies and providing meals for the local impoverished families. He even organizes soccer clinics for the children.

Michael Yesunas (1969)

Michael Yesunas

Mike Yesunas was a mainstay at Parsippany High School for over 30 years as a student, an athlete, an educator, a coach and a mentor. As a student, Mike excelled in the classroom and on the athletic fields, participating in Football and Track & Field. After graduating from PHS, Mike attended East Stroudsburg University where he majored in Physical Education and Health. Upon his graduation, he returned to his alma mater and started his career as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Par High.

As a teacher, Mr. Yesunas was positive, encouraging, organized and caring. He worked hard every day to make sure his students were getting the most out of themselves and developing a life-long love of fitness. Mike served as the Head Football Coach from 1984-1989 after serving as an Assistant Coach for many years prior.  He was also an Assistant Coach for Wrestling and a Throwing Coach for Track & Field.

After finishing up his coaching career, Mike served as the Athletic Site Coordinator at PHS where he quickly became a steadying presence in our Athletic Department. From readying fields, to coordinating officials, to organizing equipment, Mike was an asset to administrators, coaches and athletes and served as a great ambassador for Parsippany High School.

 

 

 

 

Mount Tabor Fire Department Receives Donation of Pet Oxygen Masks

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department has received a donation of three sets of specially designed pet oxygen mask kits from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.  One kit is being deployed to each of the department’s three stations, so firefighters can deliver oxygen to pets in need on the scene of house fires and other emergencies.

“We cover one-third of the Township of Parsippany, which means a lot of people and a ton of pets,” said Chief Bryan Crawford. “Our service to protect life and property doesn’t just stop at humans. Most pets are treated like family and a loss can be devastating. This oxygen mask kit gives firefighters an opportunity to save our four-legged friends .”

Family pets are at special risk of smoke inhalation during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help.  The cone-shaped pet masks are designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks do not fit. Each donated set includes masks in three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company is offering free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents.  Decals are available from the fire department or by completing the Request a Decal form on the company’s website, by clicking here.

Canine Company is on a mission to get the pet oxygen masks into the hands of first responders in all the communities where its clients live. Last year, Canine Company donated more than 170 mask kits to fire departments and first aid squads in 60 communities across New Jersey, New York and the New England states.

 “Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company.

“Our goal is to get these in to the hands of first responders wherever our clients live so they are ready to handle an emergency involving family pets,” she added. 

Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training to pet parents across New Jersey, New York and New England.  Through its Canine Love campaign, the company supports pet rescue and provides pet oxygen masks to first responders. For information click here or call (800) 818-3647.

The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District #1 has been serving the citizens of Parsippany since 1910. The Department has 49 active firefighters operating five apparatus from three stations to protect life and property. For information click here

CNO Financial Announces Two Bankers Life Appointments

PARSIPPANY — CNO Financial Group announced that Nathan Richardson has been promoted to senior vice president of sales and distribution, and Brian Wilson has been appointed vice president of field development, both at its Bankers Life business segment.

As senior vice president of sales and distribution, Richardson is responsible for leading the segment’s nationwide sales organization, comprising more than 4,500 agents and 250 branch offices. A 26-year veteran of Bankers Life, he joined the company in 1992, holding a variety of sales leadership positions throughout his tenure, most recently as South Central territory vice president since 2013.

As vice president of field development, Wilson is responsible for field manager and agent training, support and development. He joins Bankers Life after 16 years at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance in Milwaukee, where he served in several sales and business development capacities and most recently held the position of vice president of national sales. Wilson has held previous roles at Royal Bank of Canada and U.S. Bancorp, and has a Master’s of Business Administration in international studies from Marquette University and a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing from University of North Dakota.

Wilson replaces Peter Wilkins, who will retire from Bankers Life after a 15-year tenure with the company as of March 1, 2018. Wilkins joined Bankers Life in 2003 as expansion vice president and subsequently held a variety of leadership roles including territory vice president for both the Central and South Central territories, and finally as vice president of field development, focusing on field training innovation.

“Nate has consistently proven himself to be a leader in our organization, with a deep understanding of the middle-income insurance market and a commitment to helping our customers plan for retirement,” said Scott Goldberg, president of Bankers Life. “Brian brings a wealth of industry knowledge and valuable insight to his new role, and we look forward to welcoming him to the leadership team.”  Regarding the retirement of Peter Wilkins, Goldberg said, “We celebrate Peter’s many accomplishments over the past 15 years with Bankers Life and throughout his career. We are grateful for his innumerable contributions to the business, and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

CNO Financial Group, Inc.  is a holding company.  The insurance subsidiaries – principally Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company and Washington National Insurance Company – primarily serve middle-income pre-retiree and retired Americans by helping them protect against financial adversity and provide for a more secure retirement.  For more information, visit CNO by clicking here.

 

Wyndham Hotels to buy La Quinta Hotels

PARSIPPANY — Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and La Quinta Holdings Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Wyndham Worldwide will acquire La Quinta’s hotel franchise and hotel management businesses for $1.95 billion in cash.  The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Currently LaQuinta corporate headquarters are located in Irving, Texas.

Wyndham Worldwide headquarters is located at 22 Sylvan Way. Local area La Quinta Inn & Suites are located in Fairfield, Clifton and Secaucus.

Under the terms of the agreement, stockholders of La Quinta will receive $8.40 per share in cash (approximately $1.0 billion in aggregate), and Wyndham Worldwide will repay approximately $715 million of La Quinta debt net of cash and set aside a reserve of $240 million for estimated taxes expected to be incurred in connection with the taxable spin-off of La Quinta’s owned real estate assets into CorePoint Lodging Inc.  Immediately prior to the sale of La Quinta to Wyndham Worldwide, La Quinta will spin off its owned real estate assets into a publicly-traded real estate investment trust, CorePoint Lodging.

Wyndham’s Hotel Group is the world’s largest and most diverse hotel business based on number of properties.  With the acquisition of La Quinta’s asset-light, fee-for-service business consisting of nearly 900 managed and franchised hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group will span 21 brands and over 9,000 hotels across more than 75 countries.

The addition of La Quinta, one of the largest midscale brands in the industry, will build upon Wyndham Hotel Group’s strong midscale presence, expand its reach further into the fast-growing upper-midscale segment, and position Wyndham Hotel Group to be the preferred partner and accommodations provider of developers and guests.  The La Quinta Returns® loyalty program, with its 13 million enrolled members, will be combined with the award-winning Wyndham Rewards® program, with its 53 million enrolled members.

Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Worldwide, said, “This transaction builds on Wyndham Worldwide’s proven track record of acquiring companies that are a strong strategic and cultural fit, add highly-regarded brands to our portfolio and offer clear opportunities to drive shareholder value through growth, shared best practices and sharp execution.”

“La Quinta will immediately become one of our flagship brands,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group. “It is an exceptionally strong brand that is led by service-minded associates who deliver some of the highest customer engagement levels in our industry.  We expect that La Quinta guests and franchisees will benefit from our intense focus on product quality and our best-in-class technology, digital, loyalty and distribution platforms.  This acquisition also significantly expands our hotel management business and provides us with substantial new opportunities to drive increased growth in our business.”

Keith Cline, President and Chief Executive Officer of La Quinta, added, “As we anticipated, the separation of our businesses is enabling greater strategic clarity and allowing our company to take advantage of growth opportunities that naturally flow from each business model.  To that end, we are excited to announce the addition of the La Quinta franchise and management businesses to Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio.  We believe that, under the management of Wyndham’s seasoned team of executives, the La Quinta portfolio will grow and thrive, yielding long-term benefits to the stakeholders of both companies.”

The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close upon the completion of the planned spin-off of La Quinta’s owned real estate assets into the separate entity.  Closing is subject to approval by La Quinta stockholders, regulatory and government approval and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Additional information about the transaction will be available on the companies’ investor relations websites, investor.wyndhamworldwide.com and ir.lq.com.

La Quinta also announced that Keith A. Cline has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of CorePoint Lodging effective upon completion of the planned spin-off.

Wyndham Worldwide’s planned spin-off of Wyndham Hotel Group remains on track for an expected distribution in the second quarter of 2018.

Pennacchio Highlights Growing Concerns About Marijuana Legalization

NEW JERSEY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) urged Governor Phil Murphy to slow his rush to legalize marijuana in New Jersey citing growing concerns about the impact of such a drastic move on young people and already struggling communities.

Senator Joseph Pennacchio

Senator Joe Pennacchio urged Governor Phil Murphy to slow his rush to legalize marijuana in New Jersey citing growing concerns about potential negative impacts.

“A few months ago it seemed inevitable that legalized marijuana would be approved in New Jersey,” said Pennacchio. “Today, however, a growing number of legislators and policymakers, including at least one member of Governor Murphy’s transition team, are expressing opposition to marijuana legalization. It’s no longer clear that legalization has the support needed to clear the Legislature.”

Pennacchio said that as possible votes on legalization appeared more likely with the new administration taking office, many have started to seriously consider the real potential impacts for the first time.

“It’s clear that once people look in earnest at the negative consequences of marijuana legalization in places like Colorado, it becomes impossible to not imagine those harmful impacts in our own communities in New Jersey,” Pennacchio said. “It’s not all high times as supporters of legalization would have you think.”

Pennacchio pointed in particular to the strong opposition expressed by Bishop Jethro C. James, Jr., a member of the governor’s transition committee for “Law and Justice.”

“As a member of the gubernatorial transition team, it must have been difficult for Bishop James to take such a strong stance against marijuana legalization,” added Pennacchio. “I applaud the Bishop for so clearly articulating the dangers of marijuana to young people and communities that already face difficult challenges. I can only hope that Governor Murphy will heed his advice and slow his rush to legalization.”

Among the concerns expressed by Bishop James was a substantial increase in marijuana arrests of African-American (+58%) and Hispanic (+29%) children, and a decrease in arrests of White (-8%) children, reported by the Colorado Department of Public Safety following legalization.

Overall, the report shows that arrests of African-Americans for marijuana-related offenses in Colorado were nearly triple those of Whites in 2014.

Use of marijuana by children aged 12 to 17 in Colorado was found to be 74% higher

Governor Phil Murphy

than the national average in the two years after legalization.

“For those who claim a ‘social justice’ benefit will accrue to minority communities as a result of legalization, the data from Colorado seems to indicate otherwise,” added Pennacchio. “If Governor Murphy and other legislators rush continue to rush forward based on anecdotes rather than facts, they’ll likely be surprised by the unexpected harm that results.”

Two Parsippany residents on Dean’s List at Roger Williams University

PARSIPPANY — Two Parsippany residents have been named to the Spring 2017 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete twelve or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

Lauren Calabrese

Lauren Calabrese, is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2015, currently majoring in Creative Writing.

Nick Gaudio

Nicholas Gaudio, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2014, currently majoring in Engineering.

About RWU: With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning.

At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand. Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.

First Energy Donates to Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore

First Energy is pleased to partner with Morris Habitat for Humanity to provide a grant to support Operator Safety Training for the ReStore staff and volunteers. A check for $2,500 from First Energy Foundation was presented to Morris Habitat and the ReStore on January 16.  Pictured are Mel Oppenheimer, ReStore Advisory Committee; Blair Schleicher Bravo, CEO Morris Habitat; Michael Obremski, Area Manager, First Energy; Liz DeCoursey, COO Morris Habitat; Ben Roberts, ReStore Director.

For more information on Morris Habitat and its activities, click here or call (973) 891-1934.

Charity Basketball Game for Hannah Cerullo

PARSIPPANY — The Brooklawn Middle School Teachers and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Charity Basketball Game on Wednesday, January 24 at the Parsippany Hills High School Gymnasium, 20 Rita Drive, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Come out and cheer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Officers vs. the Brooklawn Middle School / Parsippany Hills High School Teachers.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to help the family Hannah Cerullo, who is battling cancer.

Hannah, a sixth grade student at Brooklawn Middle School, is the 11 year old daughter of Michael Cerullo of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office is battling cancer.

Winter Weather Advisory Now In Effect

PARSIPPANY — A winter weather advisory is now in effect from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 16 to 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, January 17.

  • WHAT…Snow expected. Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the morning commute on Wednesday. Snow accumulations of two to five inches are expected with locally higher amounts to six inches possible at higher elevations near Interstate 80.

  • WHERE…Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

  • WHEN…Through Wednesday morning. Light snow will overspread the area this evening. The snow will become moderate or briefly heavy beginning either late this evening or just after midnight and continue into the Wednesday morning rush. Snowfall rates up to one inch per hour are possible during peak intensity. The snow will taper off from west to east during the late morning.

  • ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times, especially late tonight and Wednesday morning. Significant travel delays are possible for the Wednesday morning commute with roads being snow covered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

John Stahr named to Dean’s List at Grove City College

PARSIPPANY — John Stahr, a senior major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 semester. John is a 2014 graduate of Homeschool and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stahr Sr. (Sandra).

Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.

Grove City College (www.gcc.edu) is a highly ranked, nationally recognized private liberal arts and sciences college that equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience distinguished by a commitment to affordability and promotion of the Christian worldview, the foundations of a free society and the love of neighbor. Established in 1876, the College is a pioneer in independent private education and accepts no federal funds. It offers students degrees in 60 majors on a picturesque 180-acre campus north of Pittsburgh, Pa. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Grove City College is routinely ranked as one of the country’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and others based on academic quality and superior outcomes.

Ice Rescue Drill held on Lake Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, January 14 members of the Parsippany Water Rescue Team held a drill at Lake Parsippany.

The purpose of the drill was to hone in on the skills that are needed to perform an effective rescue in the event of an ice rescue.  Approximately 20 Ice Rescue Technicians took to the ice to complete three hands on stations.

The first station labeled “self-rescue” ensures that the rescuer is able to rescue themselves in the event they are put into a situation where they need to remove themselves. Part of the equipment used for self-rescue is built into the ice rescue suit so familiarity with the proper Personal Protective Equipment was integrated into this station.  Members had to enter the water and then pull themselves out.  While this sounds easy, the ice does not provide anywhere to grip thus making the ice picks that are built into the suit vital to the rescuer.

Robert Campbell, Jr., Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, after coming from the water. Notice the ice on his clothes from the freezing waters

The second station labeled “life ring rescue” provides one way of rescuing an individual from the water if they fall in through the ice.  This station required the rescuer to get into the water with the victim and aid the victim in donning the life ring around them which the rescuer would secure followed by the onshore personnel would pull both out utilizing the rope tethered to the life ring.

The third station labeled “sled rescue” was another way of rescuing an individual.  This station had a rescuer utilizing a Marsar sled which was brought to the victim. The rescuer would angle the sled into the water towards the victim and have the victim feed their arms through a loop.  When ready, members onshore would start pulling, pulling the victim on to the sled, then the sled out of the water with the victim and rescuer on the sled.

The Parsippany Water Rescue Team was formed after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy.  A need for additional personnel to be trained in Ice and Swift Water was identified thus leading to the formation.

The team consists of members of Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

Members of Parsippany CERT and R.A.C.E.S

Parsippany CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and R.A.C.E.S (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) was invited to come out and observe the procedures. RACES provided a drone and video taped the event.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Par Troy Emergency Medical Services provide medical monitoring and transport if needed for team members and any victims of an incident.

The team conducts training multiple times a year in different environments to ensure an ever readiness in the event of an emergency in or near the water.

Fire in laundry room at Hampton Inn

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2 along with the Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1 were dispatched to the Hampton Inn & Suites, 3737 Route 46 for an activated fire alarm at 11:33 a.m. on Monday, January 15.

While responding the dispatcher got a call stating there was a fire on top of the water heater in the laundry room.

Units arrived to find a heavy smoke condition and a fire in the laundry room.

Mutual aid was requested and prior to getting water on the fire the sprinkler activated extinguishing the bulk of the fire.

The building was evacuated and the evacuation of the above floors was ensured by members of the Parsippany Police Department.

The building was checked to ensure the fire did not spread. Members on scene ventilated the entire building as smoke had spread throughout the common areas on all floors. There were no injuries and the hotel resumed operations.

In addition to Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2, Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 4 Rapid Intervention Team, Boonton Township Fire Dept Rapid Intervention Team, Parsippany Police Department, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services and Parsippany Fire Prevention were dispatched to the scene.

Murphy’s MLK Day of Service at Homeless Solutions

MORRIS COUNTY — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will mark a statewide day of service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

The Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor-elect, and the entire Murphy-Oliver Administration participated in designated service activities throughout all 21 counties to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Morris County, Homeless Solutions, 540 West Hanover Avenue, was the chosen location where volunteers met throughout the day and volunteered their time performing various chores from assembling move-in packages, baking cookies, cleaning and organizing the game room, organizing the clothing closet, working with children on arts and crafts, organizing the kitchen pantry, cleaning the baseboard and preparing and serving lunch to the shelter guests.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano participated in the activities, as well as Charlene Murphy and Jan Murphy-Brown, sisters of Governor Philip Murphy.

Mayor Soriano said “There is an Martin Luther King Jr., quote that I remember from my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Arasmo, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King Jr., was a profoundly Christian man and lived closely by the teachings of Christ, and he felt that it was his mission to improve the lives of others. That has always inspired me.”

The Homeless Solutions philosophy is “A Hand Up, Not A Handout,” and since 1983 they have been offering shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County.

Please donate blood for Hannah Cerullo

PARSIPPANY — The Italian American Police Society of N.J. and the family of Hannah Cerullo is asking for help for Hannah, the 11 year old daughter of Michael Cerullo of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office who is battling cancer.

Hannah “the princess warrior” is fighting very hard and is in need of blood transfusions to aid her in this fight.

Hannah is a sixth grade student at Brooklawn Middle School who is fighting a battle against cancer.

People can donate blood at Morristown Medical Center. Hannah is Blood type A+ however universal blood types such as O- would help as well. Set up an appointment by calling (973) 971-7444. (Editor’s note: Morristown Medical Center is having issues with this number. Please try this alternate number: 973-971-5621.)

When calling, tell them that you will be making a direct donation to Hannah Cerullo. When you arrive for your appointment remind them that you are making a direct donation for Hannah Cerullo. They will have you sign your name on a form for the direct donation in addition to the usual forms for blood donations.

People can also donate platelets if they choose to do so. Please help this young hero in her fight.

Uturn Ramp flooded at Waterview

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, January 12, due to the heavy rains, the U-turn off of Route 46 on Waterview Drive was closed due to flooding caused by the heavy rain with dirt and debris in the roadway.

The property is the future Waterview Marketplace, which was cleared of hundred of trees and a wall was being built on the property, which will eventually house and Whole Foods Market and a number of other retail stores.

NJ DOT had to bring in equipment to clear the roadway of the dirt and debris left after the water drained away.

The roadway was reopened in the evening.

Happy Birthday Clarence Ricker

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Clarence Ricker is celebrating his 83rd birthday today. Clarence who has been a member of Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3 for over 55 years and has been a Parsippany-Troy Hills Township employee for over 23 years.

Celebrating with Clarence is Jerry Hurta, Ron Bianchi, Mayor Michael Soriano, John Gangone, and John Pirnie (standing) and Chris Smith and Joe Jannarone, Jr. (sitting).

Happy Birthday Clarence!

Christie spends $740K on quick review of psychiatric hospitals after safety complaints

The Christie administration has dealt a massive shake-up to the state’s four public psychiatric hospitals, by replacing nearly every board member who served as a check on management and awarding a $740,500 contract to a consultant to evaluate each facility. With less than a week left of his term, Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday announced an…

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